Golden Plate Awards state manager Pamela Jewson said the award aimed to highlight the quality of chefs in regional Victoria.

“We recognise that the chefs are outside their own kitchens, and that this is an improvised meal that challenges them in terms of imagination, practicalities, and time,” Ms Jewson said.

“We know the blood sweat and tears that go on behind the scenes in the kitchens and we wanted to reward the chefs that are making regional Victoria shine.”

Mercato at Daylesford chef Richard Mee said it was great the Golden Plate Awards put the spotlight on talented chefs in country Victoria at the competition.

“It is just really good for all the regions,” Mr Mee said.

“The competition highlights what the regions are doing and how many talented chefs you find in country Victoria compared to the city.”

The state competition winner was awarded a luxury holiday. The Golden Plate Awards program has aimed to promote excellence and continuous improvement in the hospitality industry throughout regional Victoria for 15 years.